Kitchen island design options offer so many features, whether it be more cabinets for storage, a sink to aid in food preparation, a wine rack or bookshelf, a stove or dishwasher, and the list goes on. Once you have decided on your island`s primary function, then you can set about choosing the particular design and features to be included that will optimize your time. Whatever the chief function of your island is to be, the necessary items to make it happen should be stored within easy reach. For example, if it is to be mainly used for cooking, then cabinets for pots and pans with drawers for utensils and spices are priority. If food preparation is the ideal chief function of the island design, then space for knives, cutting boards and small appliances such as food processors is what you are after. If the kitchen island in your home is to be a center point for gathering, then seating space and counter space for homework plus food preparation are your top needs. Islands are a very attractive, functional part of kitchen design. Ideally, it can become a warm gathering place for family and friends as well as provide extra working space. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home!

there are a couple of advantages of this approach. One is that because the bar is higher than the counter work space, the kitchen clutter is visually shielded from the living area. A second advantage is that bar seating requires the least floor space of any of the seating options.